From the Director

For over 75 years Catholic Youth Camp has served the Catholic children of Minnesota and beyond. It is an incredible to be taking on the role of Executive Director and acknowledge the beautiful, storied history that CYC holds.  It has been a joy to begin to take on this role, to find photos of smiling campers and enthusiastic counsellors, knowing that there are many little hearts out there eager to return to cozy nights in rustic cabins and sunset worship on the shores of Big Sandy Lake.

Isaiah 43:19 says, “See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; Do you not perceive it?”  These words are hope we are holding onto as we look to the future of CYC.  The 2024 hiatus has been making it even more possible to come back stronger in the future.  The Gospel of John talks about abiding in Christ, and every branch that does not bear fruit God will cut off, but every branch that will bear fruit He prunes.  Pruning is still painful, challenging, lonely, confusing – these are all things you have probably felt as a parent, child, former staff, or supporter of CYC.  We partner the awareness that God is doing a new thing and the reality of pruning and we can recognize that where CYC is at in its history isn’t a place that is easy or comfortable, but it is full of hope.

As we work to finish strong in 2024 it is all for the sake of bringing fresh life to CYC in the new year.  Thank you for landing on this page and reading these few words.  You can also follow the links below to watch a short 3 minute introduction video I recently shared with our email subscribers, as well as an address I offered at our Fall Open House.

I look forward to serving you, making memories at CYC, and seeing the hope filled things God has in store.

Erika Haveman
Executive Director

A Word from the Executive Director Video

Open House Executive Director Address